Bush to test free agency

After the news conference Thursday to introduce new manager Ron Roenicke, we talked to general manager Doug Melvin about the upcoming free agent period.

Every team has a five-day window to negotiate with their free agents before other teams can jump in with offers. That fifth day is Saturday.

When asked about right-hander Dave Bush, Melvin said, "I talked with Dave and told him he should test the free-agent market."

One interpretation of that is that the Brewers have no plan to try to keep Bush. But I just called Bush and he said he didn't make any assumptions from that advice from Melvin.

"Doug and I had a talk after the seasonended and he said he thought it best for me to test free agency, that it's my first time and I should see what's out there," said Bush. "I didn't rule anything out.

"The way I understood it, he wasn't sure what direction he would go. He had to hire a manager first. He said the best advice was for me to go ahead and file and see what's out there."

Bush made 32 appearances (31 starts) for the Brewers last season and went 8-13 with a 4.54 ERA. In 174 1/3 innings pitched, he allowed 198 hits, including 28 home runs, with 65 walks and 107 strikeouts. Opponents batted .286.

As for what lies ahead, Bush said, "I don't know what to expect. The market the last couple of years has developed slow. I haven't really thought much about (whether the Brewers would make an offer). We'll see what happens."

The Brewers have two other free agents, left-hander Chris Capuano and infielder Craig Counsell. Melvin indicated he had calls in to both of their agents to see what was on their minds. Asked if he might make an offer to either before other teams can jump in, Melvin said, "Possibly."

The Brewers also made free agents of veteran closer Trevor Hoffman, left-hander Doug Davis and catcher Gregg Zaun by not exercising options in their contracts but have shown no inclination to pursue any of the three.

I have a call in to Melvin to see how the meeting went between Roenicke and pitching coach Rick Peterson, who has a year remaining on his contract. Melvin said he'd wait to see how things went with Roenicke and Peterson before deciding if the pitching coach would return for his second year.